Food package for heating and venting

ABSTRACT

Several packages are disclosed which contain food and which are used for storing, heating and serving the food. The food may be heated by inserting the package in an electric toaster or other similar heating device.

United States Patent [191 Chalin et al.

[451 Mar. 25, 1975 FOOD PACKAGE FOR HEATING AND VENTING [75] Inventors:Manuel L. Chalin, Kendall Park, N.J.; Arthur E. Smith, Briarcliff Manor,NY.

[73] Assignee: Nabisco, Inc., New York, NY.

[22] Filed: May 4, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 140,103

[52] US. Cl 426/87, 206/459, 206/498, 206/806, 206/815, 229/54 R, 229/35MF,

[51] Int. Cl. B65b 25/22 [58] Field of Search 99/171 H, 171 LP, 171 TC,99/171 CT, 171 R, 171 M; 206/46 F, 56 AA,

D16. 8, DIG. 24, 459, 498, 806, 815; 229/35 MF, 54 R; 426/87, 88,107,110, 113, 114,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,764,005 9/1956 Harris99/171 CT 2,912,336 11/1959 Perino 206/46 F UX 3,054,679 9/1962 Bradford206/56 AA UX 3,361,576 1/1968 Jacobson 206/46 F UX 3,398,877 8/1968Jacobson.... 99/171 M X 3,446,632 5/1969 Le Van: 99/171 H X 3,498,0183/1970 Seifertin et a1. 206/46 F X 3,556,337 1/1971 Harmon et al 99/1743,597,238 8/1971 Scharre 99/171 H X 3,615,706 10/1971 Robinson 206/46 FX 3,615,711 10/1971 Markus et a1. 99/17 M X 3,656,922 4/1972 Budd 65/303,663,239 5/1972 Rowe et a1. 206/46 F 3,663,507 5/1972 Vogel et a1.117/126 GB FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 951 ,232 3/1964 UnitedKingdom 206/DIG. 8

OTHER PUBLlCATIONS Quick Frozen Foods, July, 1957, p. 15.

Primary ExaminerFrank W. Lutter Assistant ExaminerSteven L. WeinsteinAttorney, Agent, or Firm-Christian & Sabol [57] ABSTRACT Severalpackages are disclosed which contain food and which are used forstoring, heating and serving the food. The food may be heated byinserting the package in an electric toaster or other similar heatingdevice.

4 Claims, 39 Drawing Figures nmrggmas 3, 873 735 SHEET 01 0F 11 HOLYDHEP:

INVENTORS HOLD HERE i J TOP READ ALL THE DIRECTIONS i. TEAR no N FFOMNCT NF 1 1 I l 1 l i I 1 l I In I l I l l 1 I l I 1 i I l I I l l THISEND DOWB J MANUEL CHALIN ARTHUR E, SMITH ATTORNEY FN ENTED W2 5 l '5SHEET 02 0F 11 1 H DLD HERE 5 LIE POUCH FLAT ON PLATE IE POUCH FLATVENTORS L. CHALIN E. SMITH m -MANUEL ARTHUR ON PLATE ATTORNEY PATENTEDMR2 :5

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INVENTORS MANUEL L. CHALiN ARTHUR E SMITH ATTORNEY PULL D OWNPATENTEDHARZSIETS SHEET 07 HF 11 INVENTORS MANUEL L. CHALIN ARTHUR E.SMITH jg. 0 f

ATTORNEY L. CHALI N E. SMITH INVENTORS MANU EL ARTHUR v SHEET OBUF 11III I! ATTORNEY PATENTED MAR 2 51975 SHEET osuF 11 ATTORNEY SHEET 100!11 INVENTORSY MANUEL L. CHALIN THUR E. smm

ATTORNEY PATENTEDHARZESIHYS 3,873,735

sum 11 0F 11 INVENTORS MANUEL L. CHALIN ARTHUR E. SMITH ATTORNEY FOODPACKAGE FOR HEATING AND VENTING BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION a. Field ofthe Invention The present invention relates to food packages, and moreparticularly to convenience food packages which can be used for storingand cooking or reheating food without removal from the package.

b. Prior Art A number of ready-to-heat-and-eat packages have beendeveloped for food servings but present a number of problems to theconsumer which are corrected by the packages of this invention.

These prior art packages have been designed with the object of bothstoring and cooking relatively small measured portions of food therein.However, none of these packages have in practice proved adequate ineliminating or reducing the problems connected with food preparationwhile also providing a container that may be both economically formedand sufficiently rigid and sturdy to withstand the punishmentconcomitant with the purveying of food which includes handling by theproducer, transporter and server.

Some disadvantages of prior packages for both storing and cooking foodare that such packages have a considerable tendency to tear to permitair to enter and spoil the food. Also, prior packages have not beenformed in such a manner as to facilitate handling without undulydamaging the package and because of their structure the venting of suchpackages for cooling or heating cannot be easily and preciselyaccomplished. The removal of food from the prior packages has beendifficult and because of the fragile and easily tearable nature of themetallic foil used in the construction of such packages; structuralsturdiness has not heretofore been achieved. In addition, the priorpackages have been designed for specific foods rather than having auniversal design capable of containing a large variety of foods.

Another disadvantage of prior packages is that removal of fluent foodshas been extremely difficult since the foods cannot be easily removedfrom the package by simply lifting them up out of the package due totheir fluent nature. Dumping the contents normally requires holding thesides or bottom of the package which are not designed for such handling.Furthermore, many food products must be accurately dispensed, such assoups, gravies and beverages, and the mess that results from dumping thecontents from the package is undesirable. In order to remove fluent foodproducts from prior packages it is necessary to either tear or cut thetop off the package to permit dumping; however, this is undesirable forthe reasons mentioned above and further because of the inconvenience andwaste of time. Also, the tearing of prior packages for removal ofcontents is precise and many times causes spilling and unappetizingservings.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,609,301; 2,633,284; 2,807,550; 2,838,404; 2,881,078;2,912,336; 3,117,875, 3,132,029; 3,185,372, 3,322,319; 3,361,576;3,392,033; 3,410,700; 3,415,662; 3,442,662; 3,446,632; 3,469,998; and3,502,487 and Canadian Pat. No. 797,651 disclose packages for storingfood and cooking food in the packages in toasters; however, the packagesdisclosed in these patents all suffer from one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages. For instance, none of these patents disclose apackage that is both compact and yet can be rendered readily accessiblein a toaster. None of these patents have overcome the main problemsconcomitant to packages made of metallic foil, namely, its propensityfor undesired tearing, puncturing and mutilation and, in practice, nonehave proved adequate in eliminating or reducing the problems mentionedabove.

BROAD DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed tofood packages and methods for making them. The packages provide apractical system for storing an almost unlimited variety of cooked,partially cooked and uncooked foods in measured or controlled portions,such as individual servings, for prolonged periods of time whilemaintaining nutritional values and in a form which permits rapid andconvenient preparation and serving with little or no loss of tastiness,flavor and freshness. Unlike most packaging systems currently in use,the invention provides unitary food packages containing measured orcontrolled portions which can be individual servings or low multiples ofindividual servings. The invention also admits of merchandising a widevariety of foods, for example, in combination packs of individual foodsmaking up a balanced meal which can be fully prepared in situ solelythrough the use of any conventional toaster.

Illustrative of foods which can be packaged in accordance with thepresent invention are beef burgundy, hamburgers (seasoned anduneasoned), pizza burgers, beef stew, beef stroganoff, corned beefslices, boneless short ribs of beef hickory smoked beef slices, roastbeef slices (with and without gravy), barbecued beef. ham slices andsteaks, chicken slices, turkey slices, meat loaf (with and withoutgravy), veal parmesan, veal cutlet (breaded and otherwise), chickenfried steak, meat balls, meat balls in spaghetti sauce, Swedish meatballs, Salisbury steak (with or without onions) lamb chops, Swiss steak,beef steaks, pork chops, fish, breaded fllets, mushrooms (with andwithout gravy), gravies (chicken, brown, beef etc.), sauces (white,hollandaise, barbecue, etc.), stuffings (turkey, meat, bread, etc.),cocktail franks, corn-muffins, dinner rolls, spaghetti sauce, spag Oswith meatballs, shrimp fried rice, chicken chow mein, tamales, chickena-la king, chicken fricassee, Manhattan clam chowder, New England clamchowder, chili, ravioli, sloppy Joe, beef gravy, cream corn, sweet peas,chocolate fudge sauce, fried clams, clam sticks, fish sticks, shrimpcakes, shrimp marinara, sweet sausage and peppers, instant mashedpotatoes, instant sweet potatoes, egg rolls, stuffing, rice, garlicbread, soup (dehydrated),.coffee, baby foods, hot chocolate, cerals,tea, pet foods, hot gravies for pet foods, pie fillings, custards,toppings (chocolate, butterscotch, etc.), desserts (puddings, etc.),vegetables (with and without sauces, butter, etc.).

These foods, especially the meats, may be fully prepared, pre-cooked andfrozen requiring only thawing and reheating prior to serving. In thisconnection it has been unexpectedly found that the toasting times andtemperatures characteristic of conventional toasters are fully adequatefor thawing and adequately reheating frozen foods to temperatures whichare high enough for serving and eating. Foods that are amenable tostorage without freezing or refrigeration, of course, need not be frozenor refrigerated but simply stored on the shelf in the packages of thisinvention. Cereals, de-

hydrated soups, hot chocolate powders, tea and other shelf stable foodsfall into this category. Also, those foods which are of the instant typerequiring only the addition of hot water and those foods which requireonly a small amount of cooking time need not be precooked. Cereals,rice, hot chocolate powders and tea fall into this category.Additionally, packages of this invention are adapted to sterilizationtreatments to provide aseptically packaged foods which are shelf stable.

The present invention drastically reduces the time, effort and manpowerneeded for the preparation and serving of meals. It substantiallyeliminates the need for measuring out portions, since each packagecontains a controlled amount of food. It permits a wide range ofselectivity for serving a wide variety of personal tastes at one sittingwith almost no extra effort and in a minimum amount of time. It alsopermits more precise control of food intake without wastage of thoseconcerned with diet and allows the preparation of single meals which arewell balanced for those who live alone. It substantially eliminatesleft-overs and cuts clean-up time to a minimum. Cleaning of cookingequipment is obviated, since no pots and pans are used and the packageafter use is simply discarded. The only heating appliance used is theconventional toaster which, with a minimum of care, is not dirtied. Thepresent invention permits an ultimate of convenience in the preparationof full, well-balanced, appetizing meals without any expenditures forexpensive heating or cooking equipment.

The packages of the present invention are not only useful in the homebut find extensive utilization in commerce in restaurants, hotels,clubs, cafeterias, vending machines, snack bars, lunch counters, foodstands, in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, schools, colleges, in thearmed services, employees cafeterias, and in any kitchen whetherprivate, commercial or institutional.

Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to construct apackage for storing and cooking or heating foods that is easy to handleduring the cooking or heating operation.

Another object is to construct a package for storing and cooking foodsin a toaster having means to facilitate venting and opening to dischargeits contents.

A further object is to provide a handle for a package to facilitate thecooking of food in a toaster such that, when the package is in use, thehandling tab extends above the toaster to facilitate insertion into andremoval from the toaster, but, during shipping, handling and storageprior to use, the handle is folded down or in a retracted position whereit is protected from mutilation or damage.

Another object is to provide a package for storing and cooking foodwhich may be constructed with multiple compartments which are facile tovent and open to discharge the contents.

Another object is to provide a food package having built-in signalingmeans to provide an audible signal when the heating orcooking cycle iscompleted.

Another object is to provide a method of continuously forming packagesfor food.

Another object of the present invention is to utilize a longitudinalsealing margin having a longitudinal fold line associated therewith inassociation with a pair of tear notches provided in a sealed top marginof a package to provide precise venting of the package for cooking andto provide a well-defined tear line which facilitates opening andremoval of food from the package after cooking.

The package of the present invention is advantageous over previouslyknown packages in that the package is tear resistant, the package can beeconomically formed, the package retains its configuration due to thecooperation of its structural parts, the package is easily and preciselyvented for cooking, food may be more precisely cooked or reheated due tosignaling means built into the package, food may be easily removed fromthe package after cooking, and utilization of the package withconventional toasters is facilitated by the provision of a handle tabwhich can be in a protected position during shipping and storage but canbe extended when the package is prepared for heating.

The present invention is generally characterized in a package forstoring food and heating the food by insertion into a toaster or similarheating device comprising a package formed with a pliable, heatresistant, thermally conductive, non-porous coated sheet material, atleast as one component, and venting and opening means constructed insaid sheet material to facilitate venting and opening of the package.

The present invention also is generally characterized in a packagehaving a handle which is in a folded or retracted position duringstorage or shipment but which is easily unfolded or extended when inuse. The invention also is generally characterized in a package havingbuilt-in signaling means for providing an audible signal upon completionof a predetermined heating cycle. The invention also is characterized inmethods for making packages described herein and also in methods formaking packages having seamless side walls.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the description of the preferred embodiments as shown inthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevation of apackage constructed in accordance with this invention showing both endsprior to folding into their storage positions;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the package of FIG. 1, both ends beingshown in their folded storage positions;

FIG. 3 is a broken front elevational view of the top portion of thepackage of FlG.-2, showing the package opened on the left side;

FIG. 4 is a broken front elevational view similar to FIG. 3, except thatthe remaining portion of the top margin has been unfolded to form ahandle;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation ofa package constructed in accordance withthis invention having both ends folded in their storage positions;

FIG. 6 is a broken rear elevational view of the top portion of thepackage of FIG. 5, a vent having been provided in the top thereof;

FIG. 7 is a view of the package of FIG. 5, showing the longitudinal seampartially torn downwardly in the process of opening the package;

FIG. 8 is a broken sectional view of a side margin of the package takenalong lines 8-8 of FIG. 5',

FIG. 9 is a front elevation of a package constructed in accordance withanother embodiment of this invention having two side tear initiatingmeans;

FIG. 10 is a broken front elevational view of the top portion of thepackage of FIG. 9, a vent and handle means having been provided thereinby transverse tearing at one of said tear initiating means;

FIG. 11 is a front elevation of the package of FIG. 9, dual vent meansand handle means having been provided therein by transverse tearing atboth said tear ini tiating means;

FIG. 12 is a broken perspective view of the package of FIG. 9, the tophaving been removed by continuing the transverse tearing,

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a package constructed in accordance withanother embodiment of this invention having a tear tab in its cover;

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the package of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a broken plan view of a top, end portion of the package ofFIG. 13, a vent having been provided in the cover thereof by tearing atthe tear tabs;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view along lines 16-16 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a package constructed in accordance with afurther embodiment of this invention showing the cover thereof partiallybroken away;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of another type of package constructed inaccordance with this invention showing the cover partially broken away;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view along line 19-19 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 20 is a broken plan view of another type of package constructedaccording to this invention with the cover removed;

FIG. 21 is a plan view of the top of a package constructed in accordancewith a still further embodiment of this invention having a tear stripcentrally located in the cover of said package;

FIG. 22 is a broken plan view of the package of FIG. 21 showing thepackage in the stage of being opened by operation of the tear strip;

FIG. 23 is a partial sectional view along lines 23-23 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of a package constructed in accordance withstill another embodiment of this in vention having a tear string;

FIG. 25 is a broken top plan view of the package of FIG. 24, the majorpart of the cover having been removed by operation of the tear string;

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of a package constructed in accordance with astill further embodiment of this invention having a tear tab and anextension handle;

FIG. 27 is a broken top plan view of the package of FIG. 26, the packagehaving been vented by operation of the tear tab;

FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the package of FIG. 26 showing the coverin the process of being removed by operation of the handle extension;

FIG. 29 is a side elevation of a package similar to that shown in .FIG.26 with its handle extension in a folded position;

FIG. 30 is a side elevation of two packages shown in FIG. 29 beingheated in an electric toaster;

FIG. 31 is a broken side elevation of the package of FIG. 29 in anelectric toaster after being heated, with the handle extension inposition for removal from the toaster;

FIG. 32 is a front elevation ofa package having seamless sides made inaccordance with this invention;

FIG. 33 is a broken rear elevation of the back of the package of FIG.32;

FIG. 34 is a simplified perspective view illustrating the steps offorming packages of FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is a broken perspective view of a package of a still furtherembodiment of this invention having temperature signaling means;

FIG. 36 is a top plan view of the package of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a partial sectional view along lines 37-37 of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a partial sectional view of the temperature signaling meansof the package of FIG. 35, during activation;

FIG. 39 is a partial sectional view similar to FIG. 38 illustrating awhistle as signaling means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The following is a detaileddescription of the various embodiments of the invention with referenceto accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that theinvention is capable of numerous modifications and variations apparentto those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention. The drawings and detailed description represent thepreferred form of each embodiment.

A first embodiment of this invention is a package which has dual tearinitiating means located in sealed areas on either side of alongitudinal seam located on a wall of the package and that serve astear guides. The dual tear initiating means may be located in the top ofthe package or in opposing side margins near the top. The dual tearinitiating means are used initially to tear the package through thesealed areas to form vents prior to the heating step. After the heatingstep, the tears when initiated from the sides of the package may be torncompletely across the package to permit discharge of the food. When thetears are initiated from the top, optionally, one or both may becontinued all the way to the bottom of the package to discharge thefood, or one of them may be continued a short distance below the topseal at a transverse tear line and then continued along the transversetear line to provide a pour spout for discharging the food. In thelatter case the other tear may be continued to the bottom of the packageto discharge any food remaining, after discharge of the contents throughthe pour spout.

The pliable sheet material used in making the packages shown in thedrawings, and described herein, is preferably pliable, heat-resistant,tearable, thermally conductive and non-porous. Preferably there is usedas a base layer a metallic foil, for example, having a thickness ofapproximately fifteen ten-thousandths of an inch. One side of the foilis treated, or otherwise conditioned, to provide it with a heat fusiblesurface which may be, for example, a heat fusible coating having athickness of about one ten-thousandths of an inch. The other side of thefoil should be treated, or otherwise conditioned to provide it with adielectric, or electrically insulated surface, in order to insureagainst the possibility of causing a short circuit which might otherwiseresult from contact betweenthe unprotected foil and the wiring of anelectric toaster. The dielectric surface may comprise a coating ofdielectric material hav-' coating itself may be sufficient to bothprotect and insulate the foil in place of the dielectric surface.

Especially preferred as the metallic foil is aluminum foil which can beused in the thickness given above or in thicker or thinner sizes asdesired or required for specific applications. Stainless steel foil isalso available and can be used if desired. Substantially anyheatconductive sheet material can be used as the base layer. Forexample, heat-resistant plastic films, such as Mylar, having thincoatings of vapor deposited metals are useful. Also, plastic filmsformed with substantial amounts of metallic particles dispersedthroughout are also useful.

The dielectric surface is for the purpose of electrically insulating thepackage in the event of contact with the heating elements of thetoaster. Substantially all thermosetting plastics and highheat-resistant thermoplastics in the absence of electrically-conductiveadditives are dielectrics or electrically insulative and any suitablethermosetting or high heat-resistant thermoplastic can be used. Forexample, epoxy resins can be used. Phenolic resins,melamine-formaldehyde resins, urea-formaldehyde resins and polyesterresins are examples of suitable resins that can be employed in makingthe dielectric surface. These materials are also useful in providing theprotective coating.

The inner heat-sealable layer comprises a transparent. heat-activatableadhesive, for example, a thermoplastic material having softeningtemperatures above those temperatures usually encountered in an electrictoaster, for example, above about 212F. The inner heat-scalable layer istransparent so that the shiny, reflective inner surface of base layer ispreserved. High melting polyester resins, polyacrylic resins and thelike can be employed. When thermoplastic materials are used in any ofthe layers, such materials should not melt or soften to any undesirableextent at temperatures normally encountered in toasters and preferablynot below 2l2F.

Any type of lettering or designs such as labels, instructions,trademarks, etc. may be placed on the front and rear panels of thepackage. The outer layer which, for example, may be formed of dark blueepoxy which is primarily heat-absorptive may also be over-printed withvarious patterns of white which is primarily heatreflective to controlheat absorption and distribution inside the package in accordance withthe heatingrequirements of the food product contained in the package. Ofcourse, it will be understood that the above materials are illustrativeonly and that other materials, which are well known in the art may besubstituted.

Sealed package 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4 and sealedpackage 200 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 8 represent packageshaving front and back walls, a longitudinal seam in one of said walls,located intermediate the sides of the package, a folded top mar gin anddual tear initiation means, both located on the top margin of thepackage and on both sides of the longitudinal seam. A primary feature ofthis embodiment is the use of two tear notches, one on each side of thelongitudinal seam. A single notch is somewhat unpredictable in that,while it usually allows tearing along the seal, occasionally the tearingproceeds outwardly towards the side edge. This type of package can begenerally characterized as a package, for storing food and heating thefood by insertion into a toaster, comprising: a package made of pliablesheet material; a longitudinal seam located in a wall intermediate thesides of the package and which may be folded over one or more times onitself; optionally, side seals along the sides of the package; a bottomseal, which may be folded over one or more times on itself; a top seal,which may be folded over one or more times on itself; dual tearinitiation means located on the top edge of the top seal, one beinglocated on each side of said longitudinal seam; and optionally ahorizontal tear line located below at least one of the tear initiationmeans and which is continuous to one side edge of the package. Beforeinsertion into the heating device, one portion of the top seal can beunfolded after tearing through the top seal at one of said tear notchesto form a relatively cool holding area which can be used to remove thepackage from the heating device and in removing the food contents fromthe package.

Sealed package is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4. Package 100 can beprepared from a single sheet or several sheets of pliable sheet materialand comprises front panel 104 and two back panels 108 and 112 joined ina longitudinal seam 124. The panels 104, 108 and 112 preferably comprisea single sheet folded on two spaced parallel lines forming the sideedges. Marginal portions along each free edge of the sheet parallel tothe side edges are folded back to present the mar ginal portions inface-to-face abutting relationship and the marginal portions are sealed,e.g., by heat, to each other to form a longitudinal seal. Thelongitudinal seal is then folded upon itself at least once along a lineparallel to the longitudinal free edge to form the longitudinal seam 124and flattened against the package. Alternatively, the package can bemade of three sheets represented by 104, 108 and 112 which are sealedtogether along side edge margins 116 and 120. The longitudinal seam 124is. formed as described above. Further details of the longitudinal seam124 and methods of forming it are disclosed in application Ser. No.794,307, filed Jan. 27, 1969, now US. Pat. No. 3,6l5,7l l, which isincorporated herein by reference.

The longitudinal seam 124 increases the strength of package 100 and actsas a longitudinal strengthening member resisting or preventing thecollapse and flexing of package 100. Side seals 116 and are shown asheat seals, but if a single sheet is used to make package 100 then noside seals are necessary, although such seals are desirable to provideadditional longitudinal reinforcement to the package 100.

The bottom portion of package 100 is folded twice on itself along lines132 and 136 to form bottom seam 128. Bottom seam 128 is heat sealedbefore or after being folded twice into place. Top seam 140 is similarto bottom seam 128, being formed by being folded twice on itself alonglines 144 and 148. Top seam 140 is heat sealed before or after beingfolded twice into place the last fold resulting in a top fold line 144.Tear initiating means in the form of notches and 164 are formed in thetop fold line of top seam 140. The tear notches 160 and 164 are locatedin sealed areas of the top seam 140 on either side of longitudinal seam124.

FIG. 1 illustrates the package after forming the longitudinal seam 124and before forming top seam 140 and bottom seam 128. At this point holes152 and 156 (ultimately forming tear notches 160 and 164 when thepackage is completed) are punched on line 144. The holes may bepre-punched before folding and forming the longitudinal seam 124 or thenotches may be formed after completion of the package. Bottom seam 128is normally formed at this point, the food contents are inserted intopackage 100 through the open top, and then top seam 140 is formed.Alternatively, the food contents can be inserted after forming the topseam 140 and then the bottom seam 128 can be formed. As still anotheralternative, the food contents can be placed on the pliable sheet priorto folding it to form the side edges and thereafter the sheet can beconstructed as described above into package 100 around the food contentsin a manner similar to that described in application Ser. No. 794,307.

The use of punched holes 152 and 156 forms dual tear initiation means ornotches 160 and 164 as seen in FIG. 2, when top seam 140 is formed. Thepreferred shape of the dual tear initiation means is a V-shaped notch asshown in FIG. 2, which is formed from diamond shaped holes 152 and 156before top seam 140 is formed. One tear initiation means is located oneach side of longitudinal seam 124.

Before the heating or cooking of the contents of package 100, vents areformed in the top by tearing along one or both sides of the longitudinalseam 124 at one or both of the notches 160 or 164 for a short distance.During cooking the vent allows steam and vapor to escape to theatmosphere. One portion of the folded top portion can be unfolded toprovide a handling tab. Package 100 should be inserted into the toasterso that the vent is at the top, thereby avoiding spilling of the packagecontents during heating. After heating or cooking of the ingredients ofpackage 100, it is removed from the heating means and the tear iscontinued to and then horizontally along transverse tear line 168through the side seal 116 to provide a pour spout as best shown in FIG.3. The remaining portion of top seam 140 can be unfolded, before orafter insertion into the heating device, as shown in FIG. 4 to provide ahandle to assist in pouring out the contents of pack age 100. The handlehas the advantage of being gener-.

ally cooler than the rest of package 100. If desired, the handle can bepreferably coated with a light colored material so that it is primarilya heat-reflective area and assists in keeping the handle cool enough sothat it can be touched, handled, and used to pick up the package duringand after it has been heated in the toaster.

Sealed package 200 is illustrated in FIG. 5 through 8. Package 200 canbe formed in the same manner as package 100 to have (optionally) sideseals 208 and 212, longitudinal seam 216, bottom seam 220, top seam 224and tear notches 228 and 232. Fold line 252 represents the line alongwhich longitudinal seam 216 is flattened against the package. FIG. 8illustrates the cross-section of side seal 208.

Before package 200 is placed in a suitable heating device, e.g., atoaster, it is vented to allow steam and vapors to escape to theatmosphere during the heating and/or cooking. The vent is formed bytearing the package at tear notches 228 and 232 along both sides oflongitudinal seam 216 from the top of package 200 to points below topseam 224. This is best shown in FIG. 6. The dual tear initiation means228 and 232 insure that the tears will be vertical and will not beoblique as might occur when only one tear initiation means is used. Ascan be appreciated from FIG. 6 the top seam 224 is thus divided into twoparts, one or both of which may be unfolded to provide a handle. Package200 is then inserted into the toaster so that the vent is at the top andthe handle extends out of the toaster, thereby avoiding spilling of thecontents during heating and avoiding excessive heating of the handle.After heating or cooking of the ingredients of package 200, it isremoved from the heating device. The upper part of longitudinal seam 216is unfolded to release it from the upper parts of the package. The seam216 then is gripped and pulled the length of the package to tear itcompletely open as best shown in FIG. 7. Fold line 252 performs thefunction of guiding the tearing and aids in preventing the tearing fromgoing off in a sharp oblique direction which would mess up the openingoperation. Thus, dual tear initiating means located on either side of avertical seam can serve as vertical tear guides for the seam. The dualtear initiating means is used to tear the top of the package justthrough the top seal to form a vent for the subsequent food heatingstep. After the heating step, one or both of the vertical tears iscontinued to completely open up the package. This can be done byunfolding the top seal folded over to release the upper portions of thelongitudinal seam and to pres ent a cool holding area. The vertical seamis then pulled down the vertical length of the package to open thepackage.

Sealed package 300 is a package having at least one tear initiatingmeans located in a side margin below the top seal. The tear initiatingmeans is used to horizontally tear the package far enough to form a ventfor use during the heating steps and to form a handle by folding thetorn portion upwardly. Preferably there is one tear initiating means ineach side margin of the package. After the heating step, the package iscompletely opened by using one of the handles to completely tear the topoff the package, the tear being generally along a horizontal line.

Package 300 is illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 12. Package 300 can beprepared from a single sheet 304 or several sheets of pliable sheetmaterial and can be formed in the same manner as package to have sideseals 308 and 312, longitudinal seam 316, bottom seam 320, and top seam324.

Package 300 is constructed with dual tear initiating means in the formof tear notches 328 and 332 located in sealed areas of side margins 308and 312, respectively just below top seal 324. The package of thisembodiment of the invention can have just one side tear initiatingmeans, if desired. The tear initiating means is normally a slot or notchpreferably, a V-shaped notch. As shown best in FIG. 9 the sealed areasaround notches 328 and 332 are enlarged to ensure against leakage. Theheat sealed areas around the notches can be enlarged, for example, in asemicircle, extending inwardly from the side edges. The enlargement ofthe heat sealed areas can be done at the time the side margins 308 and312 are heat sealed or at the time the tear notches 328 and 332 areformed or at any other convenient time. Horizontal tear line 336(printed) starts at tear notch 328 and horizontal tear line 340(printed) starts at tear notch 332 and both extend inwardly to pointsdesignated by Xs in FIG. 9 for indicating the direction and extend ofventing prior to inserting the package in the toaster.

Before package 300 is placed in a suitable heating device, e.g., atoaster, it is vented to allow steam and vapor to escape to theatmosphere during the heating and/or cooking cycle. A vent is formed,for example, by tearing the left top portion of package 300, using tearnotch 328 along horizontal tear line 336 (see FIG. This vents package300 and handle 344 is formed by folding upwardly on a diagonal fold linethe portion above tear line 336. The same thing can be done on the otherside of the package 300. Dual vents can be formed (see FIG. 11) by alsotearing along horizontal tear line 340. This provides package 300 withdual vents, and forms handles 344 and 348. The handles are usually bentaround in opposite directions as shown in FIG. 11, thereby formingrelatively rigid handles, since double-folded top seal 324 forms a partof each such handle. Package 300 should be inserted into the toaster sothat the vent or vents are at the top, thereby avoiding spilling of thepackage contents during heating. After heating or cooking, package 300is removed from the heating device. The handle or handles 344 and 348can be coated with the heat-reflective material such that the handlescan remain relatively cool to the touch. After removal from the heatingdevice, the top portion of package 300 can be removed by grasping ahandle (344 or 348) and tearing the top off along the same generaldirectional line on which the horizontal tear lines 336 and 340 arelocated. FIG. 12 shows package 300 with the top removed and ingredientsbeing poured therefrom.

kasefill".ifiqtnsdl lf lslites u e jt rqutw spaced parallel fold linesforming the side edges and margins 308 and 312. The mating free edgesare folding into a position perpendicular to the general planar positionof package 300 and into face-to-face abutment, heat sealed anddouble-folded inwardly as described for package 100 to form longitudinalseam 316. Before, concurrently with or after forming longitudinal seam316, the side margins 308 and 312 are heat sealed. At this time tearnotches 328 and 332 are punched out of the sealed areas of the upperparts of side margins 308 and 312. Also, horizontal tear lines 336 and340 can be printed in the same step or they can be pre-printed orsubsequently printed. Bottom seal 320 is normally formed next, the foodcontents inserted through the open tops, and top seal 324 formed. Or,the food contents can be inserted into package 300, and then bottom seal320 and top seal 324 formed. Alternatively, the food contents can beplaced on the sheet 304 prior to folding it to form the side edges andthereafter the sheet 304 can be constructed as described above intopackage 300 around the food contents in a manner similar to thatdescribed in application Ser. No. 794,307.

Sealed packages 400, 500, 504, 580, 600, 700, 800 and 900 illustrated inFIGS. 13 through 31 each comprise a tray of heat-resistant, non-toxic,non-porous, relatively rigid sheet material having at least onedepression filled with food. The tray is provided with a flangeextending around the periphery of the depression and is overlaid with acover of pliable sheet material as described hereinbefore. The coveroverlies the depression and flange and is sealed to the flange. Tearinitiating means are provided in the form of an indent in the flangeextending inwardly from the free edge thereof to expose both faces ofthe cover for gripping purposes to vent the package and/or in the formof a tear strip or tear string (cord) located down a medially portion ofthe cover or between the cover and the flange around the periphery ofthe depression.

Sealed package 400 is illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 16 and includes cover404 of pliable sheet material and tray 408 having a depression 410 and aflange or rim 412 extending around the depression. Cover 404 isgenerally flat and encompasses the entire top plan configuration of tray408. The margin along the edge of cover 404 is sealed to flange 412 oftray 408 (after the food has been placed in tray 408), forming rim seal416. Preferably tray 408 is substantially rectangular having dimensionswhich allow package 400 to be placed in a heating device, preferably atoaster. Illustratively, side wall 420 of the tray can have a height ofA to /2 inch. Tray 408 is shown in the preferred form, ie. rectangular,but it can have any convenient plan shape such as, square, polygonal.eliptical or circular.

The flange 412 is formed with an indent in the form of a removed corner(FIGS. 13 and 14) to expose both face of the corresponding corner ofcover 404 thus providing a lift tab 424. It is preferred to provide lifttab 424 at one of the lower corners because it is easier to remove cover404 after a vent has been placed in the top portion of the package asdescribed hereinafter. The lift tab can be placed on any shape of trayby removing a part of the rim so that a finger grip can be obtained onboth faces of the cover which can be used to lift the cover off of thetray. An example would be the use of a small semi-circle or V-notch inthe rim or flange of a tray having a circular or other plan shape. Itwill be obvious that the insert should extend inwardly from the freeedge of the flange 412 but should terminate at a point spaced fromdepression 410 so as to leave ample sealing surface on the flange toensure proper sealing of the cover 404 to the flange 412.

In addition, another indent 426 in the form of a semicircular cutout isformed in the flange 412 at the end of the package intended to be thetop of the package when inserted into the toaster or other heatingdevice. Thus, exposing both faces of the cover overlying the insert toprovide a venting tear tab 428 which can be easily gripped using thefingers. The indent 426 can have any shape, e.g., semi-circular asshown, V-shaped, etc., and the cover at the vent tear tab 428 can befurther provided with a small projection 432 to increase thefinger-gripping area of the tear tab 428. A vertical tear line 436 isprovided on the cover 404 extending from tear tab 428 inwardly to apoint designate by X spaced from the edges of said cover and overlyingdepression 410.

Tray 408 is constructed ofa heat-resistant, nontoxic, non-porous,relatively rigid sheet material which does not unduly soften or lose itsshape when heated and which preferably has an electrically insulativesurface to form the outer surface of the tray. Suitable materialsinclude glass, synthetic resins-bonded glass fibers and- /or organicfibers, and coated metallic sheets, e.g. aluminum, of a heavier gaugethan the pliable sheet described hereinbefore and provided with adielectric sur face such as described hereinbefore in respect to saidpliable sheet material. The sheet material for the tray 408 can be acoated sheet. Specific examples include pyrex glass; pyrex glass whichis color tinted, e.g., blue; glass fiber cloth impregnated withheat-resistant epoxy or polyester resins (coated if desired withpolyester resin or acrylic resin on the surface intended for the insideof tray 408); chemically-strengthened glass film; cross-linked phenolicfibers; and aluminum foil of about five-thousandths inch thickness andhaving one surface coated with a clear polyvinyl chloride coating forthe inside surface and having the other surface coated with an epoxyresin for the outside coating. The

exterior surface of tray 408 and cover 404 is preferably dark in coloror otherwise provided with a heatabsorbing surface. However, those areasof the cover 404 forming lift and vent tabs 424 and 428 can be lightcolored or otherwise provided with heat-reflecting surfaces on bothfaces.

The upper surface of flange 412 can be pretreated with a suitablesealing material such as an adhesion promotor or an adhesivecomposition, such as an epoxy adhesive, or a heat-activatable adhesiveas described hereinabove for the pliable sheet material. The cover 404is preferably coated on its interior surface with a heat-activatableadhesive as explained hereinabove for the pliable sheet material, inwhich case it is not essential that the upper surface of flange 412 becoated with an adhesive material although it is preferred to do so.Although it is not essential to provide the upper surface of flange 412with an adhesive coating, an adhesion promoter thereon can be helpful inproviding a tight seal.

Prior to inserting package 400 into the heating device, vent tear tab428 is gripped and pulled toward the other end of the package to tearthe cover 404 resulting in a vent 440 in the cover. The vent 440normally takes the shape of a V-shaped opening as best shown in FIG. 15.

Venting allows steam and vapors to escape to the atmosphere during theheating and/or cooking cycles. Package 400 should be inserted into thetoaster or other heating device so that the vent 440 is at the top,thereby avoiding spilling ofthe package contents. After heating orcooking, cover 404 is easily removed by gripping lift tab 424 andpeeling cover 404 off of the flange 412. After top lid 404 is removed,bottom food receptacle 408 serves as an attractive plate or bowl for theheated food which can be conveniently served to diners.

Sealed packages 500 and 504 are similar to package 400 and arecharacterized by a tray which contains at least two separate foodcompartments and the cover is sealed to the top surface of each of theridges and a vent means is associated with each of the separate foodcompartments. Indicia and/or designs can be molded into the bottom ofthe trays.

Sealed package 500 is illustrated in FIG. 17 and package 504 isillustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. Packages 500 and 504 illustrate foodreceptacles having multiple food compartments.

Package 500 includes tray 508 and cover 512. Cover 512, partially shownin FIG. 17, can be prepared from the pliable sheet material describedabove. Tray 508 includes three food compartments, namely, 516, 520 and524. The three food compartments are transversely oriented side-by-sideand contain flat-topped ridges 528 and 532 between them. Tray 508 isformed with a flange 536 and the edge margins of cover 512 are heatsealed to flange 536 and the upper surfaces of ridges 528 and 532 oftray 508 after the food has been placed in food compartments 516, 520and 524 to form flange seal 540 and ridge seals. As shown, tray 508 isrectangular-shaped having dimensions which allow package 500 to beplaced in a toaster. Tray 508 is constructed of sheet material asdescribed for package 400 and the upper surfaces of ridges 528 and 532can be pretreated or not in the same manner as the upper surface offlange 536.

Cover 512 can be formed of the pliable sheet material describedhereinbefore.

Part of one of the corners (see FIG. 17) of flange 536 is removed toform indent 544 thus providing a lift tab in conjunction with thecorresponding corner of cover 512, in a manner similar to that describedfor package 400. The lift tab can be placed on any shaped receptacle byremoving a part of the flange 536 so that a finger grip is provided onthe cover which may be used to lift or peel the cover 512 off of thetray 508. Also part of flange 536 of tray 508 is removed to form indents545, 546 and 547 one adjacent each compartment 516, 520 and 524 thusproviding tear tabs 548 for each compartment. The indents 545, 546 and547 can have any shape, preferably semi-circular as shown in FIG. 17, solong as it permits a finger grip on the overlying cover 512. Vent teartab 548 is similar to vent tear tab 424 of the package 400 and can havethe same features. Package 500 is of such dimensions that it can beinserted into the toaster so that the vents are at the top, therebyavoiding spilling of the package contents during heating.

Sealed package 504 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 includes tray 552 and cover556 partially shown in FIG. 18, which can be formed from the pliablesheet material described above. Tray 532 is formed of the relativelyrigid sheet material described for package 400. Tray 552 includes twofood compartments, namely 560 and 564. The two food compartments arelongitudinally oriented sideby-side and contain flat-topped ridge 568between them. Tray 552 is formed with flange 572 and the edge margins ofcover 556 are sealed to flange 572 and ridge 568 (after the food hasbeen placed in food compartments 560 and 564) to form a flange seal anda ridge seal as shown. Tray 552 is shaped like a rectangular tray havingdimensions which allow package 504 to be placed in a toaster but canhave other configurations. Part of one of the corners of flange 572 isremoved to form indent 570 and a lift tab 571 in conjunction with thecorresponding corner of overlying cover 556. Parts of rim 552 areremoved to form indents 576 and 578 and vent tear tabs of the overlyingcover 556. Those vent means are simi lar to the vent means of packages400 and 500 and are so positioned that, when the package is insertedinto the toaster, the vents are at the top above the level of fluid inthe package, thereby avoiding spilling of the package contents duringheating.

Packages 500 and 504 illustrate two of the many possible arrangements ofthe food compartments in the food packages of this invention. Each foodcompartment can have a separate vent means.

Package 580 is illustrated in-FIG. 20, the tray 408 being identical tothat of package 400. lndicia 584 are molded in bottom 588 of tray 408.lndicia can be letters, numerals, or other design, or combinationsthereof and can be inwardly and/or outwardly molded in the bottom 588 byany conventional means. lndicia 584 can be coated with a suitablecolored material. Indieia 584 can be used for example, to identify thecontents or the manufacturer or supplier.

Sealed package 600 is illustrated in FIGS. .21 to 23 and includes cover604 and tray 608. Cover 604 can be formed of the pliable sheet materialdescribed above and tray 608 can be formed of the relatively rigid sheetmaterial used to form the trays of packages 400, 500, 504 and 580 and isformed with a food-receiving depression 609. Cover 604 is generally flatand encompasses the entire top of tray 608. The edge of top lid 604 isheat sealed to flange 612 of tray 608 (after the food contents have beenplaced in receptacle 608) forming a flange seal. Preferably tray 603 isrectangular shaped having dimensions which allows package 600 to beplaced in a heating device, preferably a toaster.

Part of flange 612 of receptacle 608 is removed (best seen in FIG. 22)so as to form an indent 614 and a vent tear tab 615 of the overlyingcover 604. The indent 614 can have any shape, preferably semi-circularas shown in FIG. 22, so long as it permits a finger grip on cover 604.Tear strip 616 is formed in cover 604 by twice folding it double over onitself, so as to form in crosssection two squashed S-portions joined andfacing each other as best seen in FIG. 23. Tear strip 616 is formed byfolding cover 604 on itself four times along closely spaced parallellines successively outwardly, then inwardly, then inwardly and thenoutwardly. This forms two inner folds 636 nd 640 and two outer folds 642and 644 as best seen in FIG. 23. The two inner folds 636 and 640 areslightly spaced from each other and define tear directing lines forsubsequent tearing. The outer fold lines 642 and 644 providereinforcement to the strip 616. Additionally, it can be seen that strip616 includes two outer layers 646 and 648 which can be sealed togetherfor further reinforcement. Layers 648 need not be sealed to the innerlayer 650. Tear strip 616 as shown extends entirely down the length ofpackage 600 from one end to the other. The upper end of tear strip 616terminates over the indent 614. Dual tear initiation means in the formof tear notches 620 and 624, as seen in FIG. 21, are located on eachside of tear strip 616. In order to ensure against leakage any spacesbetween the inner folds 636 and 640 at the ends of the tear strip 616that remain open are plugged with a suitable sealing or adhesivematerial as hereinbefore described.

To vent package 600 before it is placed in the toaster, tear strip 616is used to tear cover 604 down to some predetermined point, such as theX indicated on top of tear strip 616 shown in FlG. 21. This point can behighlighted by means such as arrows 628 and 632. Dual tear initiatingmeans 620 and 624 help to start the tear and assist in limiting thedirection of tearing. The resultant vent is generally V-shaped, as shownin FIG. 22, the bottom of the V-shaped torn portion being located atabout the X designated on tear strip 616. Venting allows steam andvapors to escape to the atmosphere during the heating and/or cooking.Package 600 is placed in the toaster with the vent at the top. Afterheating, package 600 is removed from the heating device or toaster. Toopen the package and gain easy access to the food contents, tear strip616 is pulled to tear cover 604 substantially along inner folds 636 and640 thus dividing the cover into two portions. Each portion of the coveris then peeled or torn from the tray 608 and the heated food ispresented for consumption.

After cover 604 is opened and partially or totally removed, tray 608serves as an attractive plate or bowl for the heated food which can beconveniently served to diners.

Package 700 is illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, and package 700 includestray 704 and cover 708. Cover 708 is formed of the pliable sheetmaterial described above and tray 704 having flange 712 and depression709 is constructed of the relatively rigidly sheet material used to formthe trays of packages 400, 500, 504, 580 and 600. The edge margins ofcover 708 are sealed to flange 712 as described hereinabove for suchpackages. Tear string or cord 716, made of heat-resistant material suchas mylar, is located between flange 712 and the edge margins of cover708 along the inner edge of flange 712. If desired a groove may beprovided along the inner edge of flange 712 for containing cord 716. Oneend 720 of cord 716 extends outward from flange 712 and cover 708 for asufficient distance, e.g., one-half to two or three inches to provide asufficient amount of cord to be gripped by the fingers. A suitablesealing material is applied around these portions of cord 716 extendingfrom the inner edge to the outer edge of flange 712 to ensure againstleakage at such areas. An X or similar mark is located on the cover 708over cord 716 at a point sufficiently along the inner edge of flange 712so that, when cord 716 is pulled, cover 708 is split along the inneredge of flange 712 thus forming a vent. The package and food contentsare heated and/or cooked by insertion of package 700 in heating means,such as, an electric toaster. with the vented end of the package up toavoid spillage. After the heating and/or cooking, package 700 is removedfrom the heating means. Package 700 is opened by pulling cord 716completely around the circumference of the inner edge of flange 712. Thebulk of the heat sealed margin of cover 708 is left attached to flange712, as seen in FIG. 25. After cover 708 is removed, bottom foodreceptacle 704 serves as an attractive plate or bowl for the heated foodwhich can be conveniently served to diners.

Sealed packages 800 is illustrated in FIGS. 26 to 28 and includes cover804 and tray 808 having a flange 816. Cover 804 can be formed of thepliable sheet material described above and is generally flat. Tray 808can be formed of the relatively rigid sheet material used in packages400, 500, 504, 580, 600 and 700 and is formed with a food-receivingdepression 809 and an indent 820 in the form of a semi-circular cutoutin the flange 816 at one end of the package. Cover 804 overlies thedepression 809 and flange 816 and extends be yond the outer edge of theflange 816 at the end containing indent 820 to form an extension 812.Cover 804 is sealed to flange 816 of tray 804 as described above forpackage 400, after the food has been placed in depression 809.Preferably tray 808 is rectangular shaped having dimensions which allowspackage 800 to be placed in a heating device, preferably a toaster. Tray808 is shown in a preferred form, i.e., having a rectangular plan shapebut it can have any convenient plan configuration such as, square orcircular etc.

Handle 840 is attached to the outer free edge of cover 804. Handle 840is a sheet of material that is folded over on itself on line 841 and hasboth free edges 844 parallel to the fold line adhered to the free edgeof the extension 812 of cover 804. Handle 840 can be constructed of anysuitable material such as cardboard, plastic or the same sheet materialof cover 804. Handle 840 can contain a hole, such as, hole 848, forhanging package 800. Both of the visible surfaces of handle 840 can beused for labeling for such information as price, company name, and nameof product and instructions. Handle 840 is desirably formed of a heatinsulative material such as cardboard or plastic material so as to remain cool to the touch when the package is inserted into the heatingdevice.

1. A SEALED FOOD PACKAGE, FOR STORING FOOD AND HEATING THE FOOD IN SITU,COMPRISING A TRAY OF HEAT-RESISTANT, NON-TOXIC, NON-POROUS, RELATIVELYRIGID SHEET MATERIAL HAVING A DEPRESSION FILLED WITH FOOD, A SEALINGFLANGE AROUND THE PERIPHERY OF SAID DEPRESSION, SAID SEALING FLANGEHAVING AN INDENT EXTENDING FROM A FREE EDGE OF SAID FLANGE TOWARD ANDBEING SPACED FROM SAID DEPRESSION, AND A COVER OF PLIABLE,HEAT-RESISTANT, THERMALLY CONDUCTIVE, NON-POROUS SHEET MATERIAL,OVERLYING SAID DEPRESSION, FLANGE AROUND THE ENTIRE PERIPHERY OF SAIDDEPRESSION AND SAID FLANGE AROUND THE ENTIRE PERIPHERY OF SAIDDEPRESSION AND HAVING BOTH FACES THEREOF EXPOSED IN THE AREA, WHEREBYTHE PACKAGE SAID INDENT TO PROVIDE A GRIPPING AREA, WHEREBY THE PACKAGEMAY BE VENTED BY TEARING SAID COVER INWARDLY FROM SAID GRIPPING AREAPRIOR TO HEATING, SAID COVER CONTAINING AN EXTENSION OUTWARDLY FROM AFREE EDGE OF SAID FLANGE TO PROVIDE A HANDLE SAID EXTENSION OVERLYINGSAID FREE EDGE HAVING SAID INDENT, AND SAID COVER CONTAINING A HOLE INSAID EXTENSION ADJACENT SAID INDENT TO FACILITATE GRIPPING THE COVEROVERLYING SAID INDENT TO VENT SAID PACKAGE.
 2. Sealed package as claimedin claim 1 wherein said extension is folded onto said cover overlyingsaid flange and depression during storage and unfolded during use. 3.Sealed package as claimed in claim 1 wherein said extension containslabeling information and is formed with a hole for hanging said packagein display or storage.
 4. Sealed package as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid extension is provided with a folded section of sheet materialhaving its end margins sealed to the end margin of said extension.